4 University Daily Kansan/Wednesday, October 16, 1991 OPINION U. S. bases in Cuba Evacuating is best way to improve relations When most people in the United States think of a military force occupying Cuba, the Soviets come to mind. However, with the restructuring of the Soviet Union, the realignment of its priorities and the need of his government to obtain Western support, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has announced plans to pull out the 11,000 Soviet troops that have served as Fidel Castro's muscle since well before the missile crisis 29 years ago this month. That evacuation will leave only one foreign country with a military installation on Cuban soil, the United States. Since 1904, the U.S. has leased land and operated a Naval base complete with 2,400 active personnel on Guantanamo Bay, a large inlet on Cuba's southeast coast. Under lease conditions, the U.S. could stay there forever. Under present leadership, it probably will. The official explanation for having no plans to shut down "Gitmo" is that it is of strategic importance to Bush's war on drugs and it gives access to the Caribbean. The real reason, of course, is that the U.S. wants to continue to strong-arm Castro until he is, indeed, the last Communist. Not that Castro is one of our favorite people, but the situation does show the inflexibility of the Pentagon as it rides the wave of post-Persian Gulf war support. The war-on-drugs argument is an absolute joke. Until the military engages in total commitment against the smuggling of the drugs in cases where profits prop up oppressive, pro-American regimes, the leaders of our armed forces will seem to be using the argument as a reason to keep the base open at our expense. The U.S. presence in Cuba will hamper, not improve, future relations with Castro. As he becomes the last man in the sinking ship of communism, he is liable to lash out violently as he drowns. It is unlikely he would attack the United States, but to stay in Guantanamo after the Soviets are gone could spell disaster. In an age when budget cuts are closing bases at home and creating hardships in local economies, it is a wonder that the Bush administration insists on keeping more expensive foreign bases in full-scale operation. While a case can be made for the U.S. overseas presence as "keeping the world safe for democracy," the stronger argument is that this policy is one of foolhardy economics promoted by a government committed to American imperialism. Michael Dick for the editorial board Campus construction Companies' negligence creates nuisances Numerous areas on campus have been under construction recently. Most of us have seen them, heard them or have had to walk around them to avoid being soiled or injured. Construction near the Kansas Union has been a particular nuisance. On one occasion, the handicapped-parking area was blocked. No signs or warnings were in sight. In fact, little evidence exists of any warnings around any of the construction sights on campus. Mike Richardson, director of facilities operations, said that most of the campus construction had been contracted out to private companies. He said it was up to the companies to clean up after themselves and to place warning signs. Richardson said that his staff had to clean up after some of the jobs were completed. In regard to the blocked handicapped parking, he said it had been the only place where the construction company could get in and that there was no room in any of the other parking areas for the construction vehicles. One was a sidewalk on the west side of Watson Library that was repaired. The patch job was completed, but the area surrounding it was not swept. This created not only a hazard but also an eyesore. Other equally annoying and dangerous situations have occurred. Behind Wescoe Hall a front loader was working, but no warning signs were This lack of responsibility on the part of the construction companies needs to be corrected. It is disrespectful of those who use the campus most. posted. The driver was all over the sidewalk as students maneuvered around him. We hope that as many of these eyesores as possible will be cleaned up before homecoming festivities begin. And though it is beneficial to have upgrades and improvements, the problems that have arisen have begun to outweigh the advantages. Daniel Janousek for the editorial board Christmas in October: It can happen in a store October is here, and I thought I was being on the ball this week when I hung up a ghost and black cat for decorations in my room. But it only took me one trip to an all-in-one store to realize that I was behind the times. It was incredible. I was strolling happily down the aisle with the Halloween decorations, just scouting out the candy and trying to decide what would be the best to give out this year. I was feeling proud of my advanced planning for the holiday. The feeling did not last long. I turned the corner and strolled down a few more aisles when all of a sudden I saw it. The employees of the store were starting to make the displays of Christmas decorations. I was shocked, even mortified. The Halloween stickerthat that Iad so carefully chosen seemed dated and out of touch. I felt like a holiday has been Amy Francis Staff columnist Then the questions came. Had I inadvertently entered a time warp when I thought I had walked down the plant aisle? Had the stress of midterms been so great that I totally missed two months of my life? I decided that both of these scenarios were unlikely. But why do these stores seem so determined to change the date of holidays? I admit that sometimes I have a hard time waiting for holidays, but I think its the waiting that makes the day so enjoyable. It is the anticipation and planning and the savoring of the moment that is half the fun. Of candidates, reporters and inflatable Barbie dolls This is a news conference I'd love to watch, although I know I never will. But it's fun to think about. Amy Francis is a Kansas City, Mo. senior majoring in journalism. " and I conclude by saying that I am declaring my candidacy for my party's nomination for the office of the Mayor of New York. Now, I will take questions." "Governor, there have been, rumors about your marriage, that you and your wife have had problems." "I'll answer that this way, I doubt if any marriage has been without problems. For example, I have heard that your husband has been known to come home late at night, loaded to the gills, Crawls from the driveway to the front door on all fours. Pikes like a hog. Is there any truth in that?" "Governor, I am not running for public office, so I don't believe that the state of my marriage is an issue." sure he might. I hug him. "Maybe not, but it would still be fun to talk about. Let's face it, we all love a little gossip, right?" "To get back to my question, governor." The rumors have persisted that at one time you and your wife contend that she had been abducted and an extramarital affair, is that true? "That's really none of your business. Next question." "Governor, don't you really believe that the public has a right to know about conduct that might give insights into your character?" "I'll make a deal. I'll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours. For instance, were you a virgin when you got married? Or are the rumors true that in your newsroom, they called you Miss Round Heels? And isn't it true that even now, while in a state of holy matrimony, it is rumored that you've engaged in hanky-panky with that pretty-boy weather reporter at your station? Does his wife know about it? Or your husband? Tsk, tsk." "Governor, if I may interrupt. "Yes. George. "Who's evading?" I just said it's none of your business. Just as it is none of my business why your wife dumped you. I mean, it would be an intrusion on your private life if I asked if the rumors are true that she left you because she didn't like the way you dressed, especially when you dressed in her underwear and nightie. By the way, George, any truth in the scuttle but about your fondness for being spanked? "Doesn't that sting?" "Governor, that is a scurrilous statement." "Nah, not really. If people knew that "I believe it is inappropriate for you to make allegations against members of the media who are simply doing their jobs in questioning you about your views and to give voters an insight into your character. You are evading questions." Mike Royko Syndicated columnist you're a cross-dresser and like being spanked, why they'd think you're more of an interesting character. By the way, if you wore a nightie while covering a story, the ratings would go up, I'll bet." "Governor, are you saying that the public has no right to know about the private life of a public official? That they should be denied information that might give them insights into your behavior, character and moral standards?" "Good question, Ed. Im saying that if, at some point in my life, I committed an indiscretion that was not of a criminal nature, as most people have done, what the heck does that have to do with balancing a budget, pushing through a legislative program or vetoing a stupid bill? "Now, some of us know that the owner of your newspaper is a notorious philanderer. I mean, does anyone really believe that when he spends two hours every afternoon with his office door locked, he is giving dictation to that buxom secretary? But do you ever rap on his door and say 'Chief, what are you doing in there?' Do you ever yell through the keyhole: 'I cannot work for a man with a character flaw such as yours'?" "Of course you don't. It's still a good newspaper, despite his notorious behavior. So why bury me about what I saw? Or not have done in my fresher days?" "Ah, governor, then you are admit- ting that you did sleep with someone other than your wife?" "I didn't admit that any more than you will admit to the rumors that you have been known to sleep with a life-altering condition. Barbie die. Those things any fun?" "That is a preposterous lie." blow up dolld?" If you could distrify such a question "Ah, then you deny sleeping with a blow-und doll?" "I would not dignify such a question with a response." "Ah-hah, then you don't deny it? Does that mean you admit it?" "Governor, what are you trying to do?" "I'm just working on my technique in case I lose the election." Your technique for what "I might go into your line of work." ■ Mike Royko is a syndicated columnist with the Chicago Tribune. KANSAN STAFF HOLLY LAWTON Editor JENNIFERREYNOLDS Managing editor TOM EBLEN General manager, news adviser News Erik Schutz Editorial Karen Park Planning Sarah Davis Campus Eric Gorski Sports Mike Andrews Photo Brian Schoeni Features Tiffany Harness Graphics Melissa Unterberg KATIESTADER Business manager RICHHARSHBARGER Retail sales manager JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser Business Staff Campus sales mgrs Leann Bryant Regionial sales mgrs Elizabeth Claxton Museum mgrs David McWilleman Co-ops mgrs Lisa Keeler Production mgrs Jay Steiner, Wendy Stertz Marketing director Lai Behee Dietary director Jennifer Quainot Classifiedmgr Jennifer Quainot Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words. They must include the writer's signature, name, address and telephone number. Writers affiliated with the University of Kansas must include class and homework, or faculty or staff position. Guest columns should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The writer will be photographed. The Kansan reserves the right to reedit or edit letters, guest conversations and cartoons. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Süster-Flint Hall. Last Hurrahs WILLIAM. IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU GOT OVER MANDY AND STARTED DATING AGAIN. IN FACT IVE DEVELOPED A SERIES OF STEPS TO HELP YOU OUT. by Mike Romane